School Committee Chair Sarah Fox summarized what she feels the group needs to accomplish during the 2023-24 school year. After the district and former Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Buckey parted ways in early August, it’s no surprise that finding his replacement is at the top of the list. The committee will first hire an interim superintendent who can be trusted to handle the duties while a full-blown search for a permanent replacement can be conducted. At the School Committee’s meeting on Aug. 24, it selected three members for a Screening Committee, which will be in charge of narrowing down the final candidates for the interim superintendent position. Fox gave an update as to when the Screening Committee will be conducting interviews.
“In the next month we will be interviewing interim superintendent candidates,” Fox said. “I won’t see the applicant’s materials until later in September, but I am very happy to hear from our consultant that we have some great applicants that will help to move our district forward.”
One member of the Screening Committee is acting Superintendent Michelle Cresta. Fox spoke to the job she has done stepping in on short notice and filling the position.
“I have been very impressed with the work Michelle Cresta has done in the short time she has been acting superintendent,” Fox said. “The administrative team really has come together to support each other in the work that needed to be done. Together, they have implemented some much needed policies and procedures that will benefit our students.”
The lack of a successful override vote is also something the committee hopes to play a contributing role in changing. Fox stated how crucial it is to relay information to the residents of Marblehead so they can be best informed to make certain decisions.
“We really need to continue our proactive approach and do even more this year to make sure we are giving the public opportunities to be heard and get the information they need,” Fox said. “I am very proud of the budget process last year that was used by FinCom as a positive example to other town departments.”
Lastly, the School Committee will be in contract negotiations with the teachers’ union. Fox expects the two parties to be meeting very soon.